AMERICAN
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Hall of Asiatic Mammals
Conceptual Design for Interactive Spaces 5.21.2003
Libby Maynard, Jorge Narvaez, Scott Pobiner
Goal
Concept
Interaction Prototype
Space
Design
Panel Design
Technical Specifications and Materials
Idea Development
GOAL
To
integrate digital media within the existing museum spaces so as to engage
visitors and enhance their experiences with the exhibits and the museum.
CONCEPT
As
visitors enter the hall, they faces a series of hung panels that weave
through the open spaces of the hall. The panels are set up so that they
do not interfere with the other exhibits. The design allows the visitor
to see the circle of elephants and the dioramas along the wall. When the
visitor walks by the panel, an animal appears. The animal will interact
with the visitor. As they move left, the animal moves left, or if they
jump, the animal will jump or fly upwards. Once the visitor stands still,
the animal will stop moving or land, in the case of a bird. This will
bring up the pop-up information window, which includes information about
the animal, such as their habitat, diet, range, etc. The animals will
include the mammals and other animals that live in the habitats and regions
represented by the dioramas.
Each time a person crosses a particular panel, a different animal will appear, selected at random. The animals and habitats correspond to the dioramas directly behind the panel.
INTERACTION PROTOTYPE
Launch Flash interactive
SPACE DESIGN
PANEL DESIGN
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND MATERIALS
We have discussed several possibilities for each station.
OPTION
1: STRETCHED SCRIM OR FABRIC (e.g. lycra), CURVED
Scrim (see examples) is stretched across the floor
at different angles with a wire frame and guy wires to secure it. We can
use one projector that can project images to both sides, due to the nature
of the scrim. Detection cameras sit above both sides, allowing visitors
to interact with the station on both sides at once.
ISSUES: Will the images read clearly enough on the side opposite the camera?
Will the shadows of the users on the other side create an interesting
effect, or will it dilute the experience? What will happen when a large
group gathers around both sides?
OPTION
2: 2 LAYERS OF SCRIM OR FABRIC, LIGHTED BETWEEN (see space
design I models)
Two pieces of scrim are stretched across the floor with a wire frame and
guy wires to secure it. Between the scrim is a directed light to diffuse
the image, preventing it from being seen on the opposite side. We will
use two projectors, one for each side of the scrim. Detection cameras
will still sit above both sides, allowing visitors to interact with the
station on both sides at once.
ISSUES: Will the between-lighting blur the images in any way? Will it
eliminate the bleeding of the images from "the other side"?
Will there be any residual images of effects from the other side?
OPTION
3: SCRIM OR FABRIC CURTAINS
Scrim is hung from the ceiling much like a curtain, loose on the sides
and the bottom, which will allow the scrim to move somewhat freely, either
from airflow of visitors moving around or by visitors touching and moving
the scrim. The projectors and detection cameras are set up as in option
2 (see space design II model).
ISSUES: Will the images become too warped or will it create an interesting
effect? Will it cause the visitors to be too distracted from the content
by playing with the fabric or will it enhance the interactive experience?
OPTION
4: FROSTED PLEXIGLASS
Frosted plexiglass is used as the screen. Either in the curved format
as illustrated (see space design I models), or flat
(see space design II model), depending on the warping
effects discussed above. The projectors and detection cameras are set
up as in option 2.
ISSUES: With the curve, will the images become too warped or will it create
an interesting effect? Can we compensate the warp with the positioning
of the cameras and the software? Will the information and content be better
dispayed and crisper on this static material?
We will need to experiment with the scrim, cameras, and lighting with our content to better understand how the two sides interact. The shape of the stretched scrim is another factor. We currently envision a curve in the canvas, but we will need to examine the effects this has on the images, particularly the contextual information. A warp may be perceptible, if not correctable with the software or the angle of the cameras, but it may also be an interesting and nice effect. Shadows, images, and image distortion are all issues we would like to address, finding the right effects to keep the visitors engaged, and coming back to play with the animals time and time again.
Actual Image of Scrim with projection
 |
Conceptual Image of Scrim
DEVELOPMENT
See the development of our ideas.